ambush bugs

ambush bugs

5827  Found these two in my yard in Brantford Ontario this past summer. Wondering what they are.  Scott.

These are ambush bugs (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae; subfamily Phymatinae). They lay in wait on vegetation, especially flowers, for potential meals to come close enough to grab. They are capable of overpowering prey items much larger than themselves. See http://tinyurl.com/ngzv3nn for more detailed information,  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.